How to Pack for the Movers

Youíve chosen a new home, selected a mover, and now comes the task of packing for the move. There are 3 important things you should remember that will save you a lot of time and frustration later:
ē Collect all the materials (boxes, tape, paper) youíll
need to pack.
ē Donít put packing off until the last minute.
ē Stay organized!
Hereís a list of the materials youíll need to pack efficiently:
ē Paper for wrapping your items:
Many people collect old newspapers and use them. Just remember that the news ink never dries and will come off on your belongings. If you want to avoid the need to wash everything when you arrive, you can purchase packing paper from your mover.

ē Boxes:
You can collect boxes from your local supermarket and other businesses. Select strong boxes in good condition and make sure they have covers. Divided boxes like liquor boxes are great for glasses and stemware.
Your mover can also provide you with boxes especially made for moving. However, these boxes are expensive and you may want to purchase only those which are usually necessary like wardrobes for hanging clothes, mattress cartons, and cartons for large pictures, mirrors and table lamps.

ē Sealing Tape - Use plastic tape thatís 1Ĺ-2Ē wide
ē Magic Marker Ė to mark boxes for contents and special instructions like ďfragileĒ, ďthis side upĒ, etc.
Now that you have all your materials, youíre ready to start packing! Start as far ahead of time as you can. Waiting until the last minute will create a nightmare you donít want to experience! If you begin early you can pack a few boxes a day and have everything completed without stressing yourself unnecessarily.
Itís really important that you keep your packing organized; it will save a lot of confusion later. Itís best to pack a room at a time so that you can keep everything thing together that belongs together.
Start in areas containing articles that arenít used frequently such as your attic, basement, garage, etc. You can leave an extra box to hold items that canít be packed early.
Packing Up the Kitchen
The hardest room to pack is probably the kitchen so letís discuss that in detail.
Remember when youíre packing fragile items to pad the bottom of the box with several sheets of paper. Place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box and the more delicate things on top.

When you pack flatware like plates, saucers, etc., wrap each item separately and then combine in groups of three. Rewrap that group in more paper and seal with the plastic tape. Each group will then be better protected. Stand them on end in the box.
You can nest glasses and cups 3 or 4 together and separate with small sheets of paper. Itís best to pack them in divided containers if you have them. If the box isnít full to the top, stuff with additional paper. If you donít have divided containers, you can place them in other boxes where you have empty space; just be sure to fit them in toward the top of the box so they arenít crushed.
Donít nest Goblets and stemware, wrap them individually.

Try to keep small kitchen appliances like the toaster, crock pot, etc., all together rather than mixing them with other items. Wrap them individually with 2 or 3 sheets of paper and wad up paper to fill any empty space. However, if you have a lot of extra room you can add some pots and pans.
You can nest pots, pans and large bowls in groups of 3 with a couple sheets of paper between each of them.
When you pack boxed foods such as cereal and rice, be sure to seal the tops with plastic tape. (Remember to do this for salt and pepper shakers also!) If your things are going be stored for very long, you may want to discard these items to avoid rodents or insects.
You can pack filled canisters as long as they are individually wrapped and the tops are sealed with plastic tape.
Finally, here are some miscellaneous tips to remember:
ē Donít pack anything thatís flammable, combustive or explosive. This includes items like aerosol spray cans, gasoline, and paint thinners.

ē Empty all drawers.
ē Pack heavy items like books and canned goods in smaller boxes.
ē Pack bulky and lightweight items like toys, blankets, and pillows in large boxes.
ē You donít need to wrap toys, books and shoes individually.
ē Stand books and records on end.
It isnít as hard as it sounds, but it you donít want to deal with packing, your moving company will be happy to pack for you ~ of course, that service comes with a very hefty price tag!
Happy Moving!.